In today’s gospel it seems Jesus is asking too much of us! Following the commandments is not enough. We must also avoid anger, abusive language, lustful thoughts, and not take oaths of any kind! Even calling someone a ‘fool’ or ‘renegade’ is an offence. But is Jesus actually asking us to follow an impossible set of commandments … or is he doing something else?
To be better gospel people Read More »
National Apology Day in Australia will be observed on February 13. On Monday, we commemorate the first-ever national apology made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008 to reset the federal government’s rehabilitation, justice, and reconciliation agenda for all Indigenous Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their families.
Acknowledging past wrongs Read More »
Following on from the beatitudes in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus speaks of his followers as salt and light. Is that us, we might wonder? While we may no longer preserve food with salt, though millions in the world still do, we all know something of the lift it can give to food. We don’t want to overdo it, but no salt and our food might lack for something.
Sharing Christ’s light Read More »
Cancer is so prevalent there wouldn’t be too many people who don’t know of a friend or relative who hasn’t suffered from some type of cancer.
Don’t ignore the warning signs Read More »
Healing divisions between Catholics, other Christian Churches and other religious traditions has been high on the agenda of Pope Francis.
Opening our eyes to other faiths Read More »
The opportunity to make a fresh start is something that we all value, especially if we have been struggling with problems which have weighed us down. The tradition of making New Year resolutions illustrates this deep desire to put the past behind us and move on.
Small things with great love Read More »
The new school year is upon us. With the long summer break drawing to a close, parents naturally think of check lists and what needs to be done.
Heading back to school Read More »
Tomorrow’s public holiday will provide an opportunity for families to come together. And that can only be a good thing.
A pleasant day for families Read More »
Galilee was no one’s idea of a place that could launch a ‘world changing movement’. Galilee’s history was not glorious. The readings today refer to it as the “land of Naphtali”, which was one of the breakaway tribes of the Jewish people that formed the northern kingdom of Israel.
People who found the light Read More »
Some people today may be puzzled by John the Baptist referring to Jesus in today’s gospel as the “lamb of God”, since for most of us the lambs we see in the paddocks are cute, but weak and vulnerable to predators. You don’t hear of nations, or even sporting teams, adopting ‘lambs’ as their emblem. Why should John identify “the Chosen One of God” as the “lamb of God”?
A term of great honour Read More »